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For those remodelling a kitchen and following the latest kitchen trends, they’ll know that this is no longer a room that's built solely for functionality with little personality or soul. Instead, it's much more likely that the aim will be to decorate it just like one would design their living room. In which case, they’ll need to combine their best kitchen cabinet ideas with all the kitchen styling tips they can muster. Here's how kitchen experts answer the question: How can I add interest to my kitchen?

Annie Tullett, kitchen designer at Tom Howley is adamant that classic shaker kitchen ideas are not only still relevant but guaranteed to add character to a kitchen.

She said: “Shaker kitchens have a timeless simplicity and elegance, which evolved from the pared-back, practical lifestyle of 18th Century Shaker societies. 

“The Shakers created the blueprint for the family kitchen through social design – this can be seen in their large trestle table islands and benches, and they blurred the lines between dining and kitchen space.

“Shaker kitchens have longevity to them because they are grounded in the architecture of the Georgian era, a style which has bled into Victorian, Edwardian and now modern architecture. 

“In summary, Shaker isn’t a trend; it is everlasting.”

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The right textures and materials in dark colours can truly transform a kitchen from dull to divine, whether this be kitchen countertops or cabinetry, according to Caesarstone’s head of design Mor Krisher. 

He explained: “Contrary to what people often think, black or dark kitchens aren’t always sombre or austere. 

“Dark colours can be bold and dramatic or warm and cosseting. 

“They have within them so many different nuances, tones and tactility that give them different character. 

“They can be basic or sophisticated, daring or elegant, industrial or classic, traditional or modern.”

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Mor added that starting a kitchen design with a black countertop can lead homeowners down a very exciting route if they start to pair it with different door colours, appliances, and accessories.

Plus, for those who are already shying away from all white spaces, “it’s a great way to go”, says Annie.

Kitchen wall tiles are a great way to add eye-catching texture and colour and therefore interest to a kitchen in a way that flat or plain materials and finishes don't.

Diane Hyde of Craven Dunnill Jackfield said: “Using tiles as a kitchen splashback is an exquisite way of displaying and accentuating their pattern, texture, and glaze. 

“A beautiful way to bring a burst of colour into a room, highly reflective gloss tiles are also a great way to create a sense of space and openness.” 

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Imaginative kitchen lighting that can be both practical and pretty are key to adding interest to a kitchen. 

Niki Wright, co-founder of lighting design studio lights & lamps said: “Kitchens obviously need to work hard and so does the lighting. 

“Recessed spotlights or under-cabinet lighting is a common solution, but also consider the space when it’s not being functional. 

“Family and friends often congregate around an island so consider low level or pendant lighting here.” 

The expert urged homeowners: “Don’t be afraid to use ‘living room’ lighting in the kitchen: a floor lamp in a corner or a table lamp at the end of a countertop.”

Suzanne Duin, founder of Maison Maison suggests one should “opt for a statement light design, something quirky, unexpected and colourful, that will act as the focal point of the room.”

She added: “If this seems daunting, draw on the existing features of the kitchen design. 

“For example, in a traditional kitchen an oversized rattan pendant will add a sense of reassuring, warm tactility.

“A statement lamp on a kitchen island or back countertop is equally impactful. 

“The cosy yet directional diffused glow cast across a kitchen work surface will instantly soften the kitchen making it feel less industrial.”

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